Dear Editor:

As a parent I am very concerned about toxic chemicals in our everyday products that could have serious health effects on my children. We try to be careful consumers and limit our children’s exposure to harmful chemicals. Recently I have heard a lot about phthalates in the news: chemicals that can cause serious reproductive health disorders, early puberty in girls, and asthma. What’s worse is that these chemicals seem to be in all kinds of products that I could own, but it is so difficult to tell whether my products contain hidden phthalates. I would like to know which products contain phthalates.

I know phthalates are in many lotions, shampoos, or other personal care products — especially ones that use some type of fragrance. Looking in my bathroom, I see shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and laundry detergent. Perhaps I have been exposing myself to phthalates with these products. I also know phthalates are often in soft plastics or vinyl. Although we replaced our vinyl shower curtain years ago, there are still many items in our home (such as raincoats and children toys) that I fear might contain harmful phthalates.

The point is, even though I am a careful consumer, I need more information in order to keep my kids safe. Right now, our state has the power to do something about this. Recently, my family helped to deliver 2,000 signatures to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, calling on them to gather information on which products contain phthalates. I’m calling on Maine DEP to listen to these thousands of petitioners and help fill this information gap. We all have a right to know whether toxic chemicals are in our products.

Natalie Allen
Wiscasset